A United States-based political advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has dismissed speculation that President Bola Tinubu could be arrested if he attends the 2026 United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The firm, however, claimed that the Nigerian president could face public embarrassment at the international gathering over renewed controversy surrounding allegations about his past in the United States.
In a statement posted on its verified X account, the lobbying group said there was no plan to arrest Tinubu over alleged involvement in heroin trafficking if he travels to New York for the UNGA.
“There is no plan to arrest Nigerian President Bola Tinubu over his alleged involvement in heroin smuggling if he attends the UN General Assembly this month. Any claim to the contrary is untrue. What is true is that President Tinubu will be embarrassed in New York,” the firm stated.
The organisation also alleged that world leaders attending the UNGA would be aware of the accusations against Tinubu. It further claimed that a proposed private meeting between Tinubu and United States President Donald Trump would not take place.
The allegations have not been established as criminal findings against the Nigerian president. Reports indicate that the controversy is linked to legal efforts in the US concerning the release of historical records held by American law-enforcement agencies. Tinubu’s legal team has challenged the release of some records, citing privacy concerns.
The development is significant because the UN General Assembly provides one of the most prominent international platforms for world leaders to engage in diplomacy, promote national interests and hold bilateral meetings. Any controversy surrounding a visiting head of state could therefore attract considerable media and political attention.
The lobbying firm has also threatened to mount a publicity campaign around the UN headquarters if authorised, saying it wants the allegations brought to the attention of people in New York.
The controversy comes ahead of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, scheduled to bring world leaders to New York in September 2026. Meanwhile, there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerian Presidency or the White House supporting the lobbying firm’s claims about a possible Trump-Tinubu meeting or any planned action against the Nigerian president.
